Student FAQs - Public Computers

Please see our Computer Labs and Classrooms page for general information about Public Computers, including locations and hours.

Can I use any of the computers in the Computer Classroom or Lab?

Yes, you can use any of the computers in the Computer Classroom or Lab if you're a student, faculty, or staff member. However, if there is a class being taught in the classroom, you will not be allowed to use the machines at that time.

Do any of the computers here have Internet access?

Yes, all computers in the Library and PH17 Lab have Internet access.

Can I print from the Public Computers?

Yes, please see our Printing on Campus page for information.

Where can I save large files?

You can burn CDs or use a USB key on the systems in the library; disks and keys can also be purchased at the Information Commons Help Desk on the 2nd floor of the library. Some computers in the E-Lounge also have Zip Drives. For larger files you can save them to the shared network folder on the P: drive. Go to File, Save As, at the Save in prompt select share Hammer-ii (P:), give your document a name and click save. Keep in mind that you only have access to files on the P: drive from the computers in the Library.

Do the computers have CD burners?

The computers in the Classroom and the Microcomputer Lab on the 2nd floor, and the Computer Lounge on the 1st floor, have CD-RW drives that are capable of burning CDs. The E-Lounge computers and reference computers in the Library Lobby and lower levels do not have CD-RW drives.

Do the computers have Zip Drives?

Seven PCs in the E-Lounge on the 2nd floor of the library have Zip Drives, including the Scanning PC.

How do I save files to a CD?

On a PC:

1. Insert a writable CD into the CD drive.
2. Open the "My Computer" icon on the desktop, and then select the files or folders that you want to save to the CD. To select more than one file, hold down the CTRL key while you select files.
3. Select either "Copy this file", "Copy this folder", or "Copy the selected items" as appropriate.
   
4. In the Copy Items box that comes up, click the CD drive, and then click Copy.
5. In My Computer, double-click the CD recording drive. Check that the files and folders that you want to copy are displayed under "Files Ready to Be Written to the CD".
6. Under CD Writing Tasks, select "Write to CD".
7. Follow the instructions on the "CD Writing Wizard" that will come up.
8. When the items have been copied, the wizard will ask if you'd like to create another CD like the one you just made - select the option you prefer.

PCs also have Roxio's CD burning program installed on them if you'd like to use more advanced features. Go to Start - Programs - Roxio or select the "Burn CDs" icon on the desktop.

On a Mac:

1. Insert a writable CD into the CD drive (hit the eject button on the keyboard to open the drive).
2. The CD will show up on the desktop. Drag any files you'd like to save on the CD to the CD icon.
3. Choose File - Burn Disc when you are done dragging all the files you'd like to save to the CD.
4. Drag the CD to the Trash on the dock or hit the Eject key on the keyboard to remove the disk.

After you have finished saving files to the CD be sure to open at least few of them to make sure they have copied properly!
Files saved on a Mac CD can normally be read on a PC and vice versa.

Can I listen to audio on the computers?

The systems do have sound cards. However, you will have to bring your own headphones or check out a pair of headphones at the Circulation Desk on the 1st Floor to listen to audio.

How can I check a file or disk for viruses?

On a PC, select Programs > Symantec Anti-virus Corporate Edition > Scan A Floppy Disk.
On a Mac, Select Go > Applications > Norton AntiVirus. When the Norton program starts, select the disk or file you'd like to scan and click the "Scan/Repair" button.

What programs are on the computers in the Lab and Classrooms?

The computers have many standard programs on them including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access), SAS, SPSS, Adobe Acrobat, Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator. The computers in the Classroom also have many programs installed on them at the request of different schools at CUMC, please click here for a complete list as a printable Adobe Acrobat file.

Please note that the computers in the Library Lobby and lower levels are for reference use only and have just basic web browsing and online research programs installed. If you need to work on a paper or do more involved activities please use one of the computers in the Lounges, Labs or Classroom.

Who's in charge of computer maintenance?

CUbhis and Information Commons have technicians on staff for maintenance of the computers in the Computer Lounge, PH17, the Computer Classroom and Lab. If you have questions or notice that a computer or printer needs maintenance, please visit the help desk on the 2nd Floor of the Library, call extension 5-Help (212-305-4357), or connect immediately to a technician online by selecting the CUbhis eSupport icon on the desktop of any of the public PCs .

To whom can I make a complaint about the computers?

You can make complaints about the computers at the Information Commons Help Desk on the 2nd floor of the library or email us at 5help@columbia.edu.